SNS players approve strike vote

Unionized musicians at Symphony Nova Scotia have voted 80 per cent of favour of a strike.

The symphony and its 37 musicians have been without a contract since August, and have agreed to a final day of talks on Jan. 14, three days before the union will be in a legal strike position. Conciliation talks broke down earlier this month.

A news release from the union described the labour strife as a first in the symphony’s three-decades-long history. The main issue is wages.

“Approximately half of the musicians in SNS earn only $28,126 before taxes,” said Kirsty Money, chairwoman of the musicians’ negotiating team.

“This is not a living wage for a full-time job in any field, especially for the training and expertise the musicians possess.”

Erika Beatty, CEO of the symphony, said there has been movement in the dispute between the two sides.

“This is part of the process for all orchestras trying to negotiate new contracts,” Beatty said.

“We’re focused on achieving a new collective bargaining agreement and we’re working at the negotiating table to try and make that happen. This is difficult work; it’s important that we do it right.”

The union describes Symphony Nova Scotia as “one of the best and most recorded orchestras in Canada, recognized for its innovative programming and flexibility in changing musical styles.”

Its news release says SNS is financially healthy, with a newly created endowment fund that totals $7 million, and a small operating deficit.

The union wants an increase in base salary for its members to $30,000.

“These negotiations are not only about the money; they are about how SNS views its employees, the musicians. This is not a part-time orchestra and we are not part-time workers,” said Money.

“The continued low offer from SNS would ensure the musicians’ poverty, and risk the orchestra’s existence over the course of time. Musicians have already been forced to relocate or retrain in order to survive.”